The series of images (included in our slide show) showcase series leads Corey Stoll ('House Of Cards' , Mia Maestro ('Alias') and Sean Astin ('Lord Of The Rings') engaged in investigating the virus which spawns hordes of vicious vampires. Or as their official press release puts it; "‘The Strain’ is a high-concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers wage war for the fate of humanity itself.”

The series is produced by director Guillermo del Toro ('Pans Labyrinth', 'Hellboy'), and is based on the novel of the same name, written by the filmmaker along with Chuck Hogan (who writes for the series as well).

'The Strain' won't premiere on FX until July 13, 2014, so one hopes to get more than just these fleeting glimpses to further whet our appetites. But given the pedigree of the cast and crew, odds are in their favor. It's always refreshing to see a take on vampires that shies away from the romantic defanging of movies like 'Twilight', and instead makes them the vicious creatures of the night, and the biological threat element appears as an homage to Richard Matheson's novella 'I Am Legend.'